Keri Dryer and her husband Wes welcomed a Boone baby 12 years ago, their daughter Maddie. Keri started to gain a lot of weight with her pregnancy, but it seemed like a different kind of weight gain. Then post pregnancy, Keri noticed she couldn’t lose weight in certain areas of her body. In fact, she…

Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern—they can be a sign of underlying venous disease that affects how blood circulates through the legs. These enlarged, twisted veins often appear blue or purple and are most commonly seen in the legs and feet. While they can cause discomfort or…

Even though October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, every month is breast cancer awareness month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States.  One in eight women in the United States will face a breast cancer diagnosis in her…

Muscle, Metabolism & Healthy Aging Strength training helps preserve and build muscle mass, countering age-related loss (sarcopenia), especially after age 30, when adults may lose 3–8% of muscle per decade. This is key for long-term functional independence and vitality. In addition, increased muscle mass boosts resting metabolism, supporting weight management and metabolic health.  Strong Bones,…

With Elizabeth Wilson, MD, OB-GYN, Women’s Health Associates and Boone Health As women approach midlife, the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause can bring profound changes—hot flashes, disrupted sleep, mood swings, fatigue, and a sense that something just feels “off.” For many, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a safe and effective way to restore…

A life of brilliance and a silent battle. Christina Bohn was an accomplished person, who had a wonderful, abundant life. From the time she was young, she seemed to shine in every direction. In high school, she was admired for her kindness, talent, and drive. She sang beautifully, played piano, excelled in academics, and thrived…

In premenopausal women, estrogen is cardioprotective. It prevents plaque buildup in arteries, reduces inflammation and promotes vascular health. During menopause, estrogen levels decrease, increasing a woman’s risk of heart disease. Throughout menopause, women are also more likely to have increased blood pressure, see weight changes, and experience an increase in cholesterol, specifically the bad cholesterol,…

with Hannah Williams, Physical Therapist, Boone Health Therapy Services Bones, bones, our magical bones. Human bones grow stronger and more dense (less prone to fracture) until we reach the age of about 25. As we go through young and middle adulthood, from about 30 to 50, our bone density remains stable. This is due to…

Breast Care and General Surgery, Boone Breast Care Clinic I am originally from the Chicago area, but I live in Columbia now with my husband and 1-year-old son. I received my bachelor’s degree from Truman State University where I played basketball and met my husband. I worked as an EMT in Saint Louis until I…

Occupational Therapy, Boone Therapy Services  I was born and raised in Wisconsin. When I was thirteen, we moved to Kearney, Mo. I graduated high school in Liberty and then came to Columbia for college and decided to stick around after I graduated. My husband Drew and I have been married for 10 years. We have…